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Author Topic: Sanding Pads  (Read 10969 times)

Antec

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Sanding Pads
« on: August 18, 2014, 09:45:02 AM »
     I just got into doing surface prep a few months ago. I've been reading everything I get my eyes on about the subject. I sure this has been asked and answered a few times, please if I could get some input.

1. I have a assortment of Abralon pads, but some of my bowling balls call for is 800 grit. The place I get my supplies from doesn't offer a 800 grit for sale, same with 1500 grit. They however have SIAAIR in both those grits. From the way I look at it grit is grit right?

2. Do you folks have a recommendation where the best place to purchase pads?

3. I have seen to mark the back side of pads so you remember how many time they have been used, which I have. I seen a lot recommend about 6, depending on pressure that has been applied. Last question, what is the best way to wash them after use, I've just been rinsing them off with water, is there a better way you would advise?

Thank you in advance for your time and input!

 

itsallaboutme

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Re: Sanding Pads
« Reply #16 on: August 22, 2014, 09:30:41 PM »
You are never going to duplicate a factory surface with a spinner.  Why use pads that cost $3 or $4 each just to sand a ball.  If the paper is good enough to wet sand paint on a car it is more than good enough to get an acceptable surface on a bowling ball. 

charlest

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Re: Sanding Pads
« Reply #17 on: August 23, 2014, 05:04:58 AM »
You are never going to duplicate a factory surface with a spinner.  Why use pads that cost $3 or $4 each just to sand a ball.  If the paper is good enough to wet sand paint on a car it is more than good enough to get an acceptable surface on a bowling ball. 

Mike,

I think there are several reasons why people use Abralon, Siaair and Neat pads over wet/dry sandpaper.

1. The Manufacturers seem to have converted to these devices for the most part as their stock surfaces.

2. They are much easier and safer to use than wet/dry sandpaper. Their size and foam backing make them almost idiot proof. Ive seen far too many pro shops who are experienced in finishing balls, no less inexperienced bowlers use wet/dry sandpaper until there was literally nothing left of the paper. By that time, who knows what the final finish was. Of course, that doesn't stop people from doing the same thing with the pads. An idiot is an idiot.

2B. These pads, although they can be very expensive, are soooo easy to use wet or dry.

3.  We don't necessarily all need (or want) to replicate the factory finish. I doubt if the factory finish is the best finish for most people with most balls, even if they say they want it. Personally, I'll often just try the ball at the factory finish just to see what the reactions is, but I rarely leave it there. Since I'm rev dominant, small changes to the surface can mean more to me than for a matched or a speed dominant player.

I think car surfaces are much more sensitive to appearance and the final sanding than bowling balls are. Thankfully I haven't had to sand much of any of last few new cars, but then I'm not in the detailing or car painting business. That said, I have used Trizact to remove scratches from windshield.
"None are so blind as those who will not see."

itsallaboutme

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Re: Sanding Pads
« Reply #18 on: August 23, 2014, 07:03:56 AM »
People use these products because they have been marketed to them by bowling ball manufacturers who are resellers of these products.

The even larger waste of money is the pro shops I see that used them to do plug work because it is easier to add some pads onto your distributor's order than to stop and buy some supplies once or twice a year.

Impending Doom

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Re: Sanding Pads
« Reply #19 on: August 23, 2014, 08:11:07 AM »
Abralon to resurface? No way. Easiest way to resurface after plug job is is Haus with diamond wheels.

ccrider

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Re: Sanding Pads
« Reply #20 on: August 23, 2014, 09:27:30 PM »
Abralon to resurface? No way. Easiest way to resurface after plug job is is Haus with diamond wheels.

What do you use after the diamond wheel?

Steven

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Re: Sanding Pads
« Reply #21 on: August 23, 2014, 10:17:34 PM »
People use these products because they have been marketed to them by bowling ball manufacturers who are resellers of these products.


Your point is well taken that sandpaper will get the job done. But I personally wouldn't make cost an issue. I'm paying $2.30 for a Siiair pad. I get at least 10 uses per pad, which equates to about 23 cents per use. I'm not going to lose sleep over that amount of money.